Careers

This week is National Career Week. Which might be a very good time to pause. . .think. . .and ask yourself “Why am I here in this world? What is my purpose—my calling? What knowledge and skills do I need to do the best job I can – in my “job”? How do I find out what is a good career field for me”

The good thing is we each have a lifetime to walk this earth and career is developmental. We don’t have to decide today what kind of work we are going to do for the rest of our lives. We will have opportunities in our lives we never even thought of, because of the places we go and the people we meet. We only need to decide what we want to do right now – or upon graduation.

We each need to explore who we are. And what kind of jobs there are “out there” in the world. What jobs would be good matches for who we are? What is needed--maybe we create our job. The people at Career Services are here, in, to help with that exploration. Just call (978-3435). Or come over (203 Grace Wilkie). Make an appointment to meet with one of our Career Counselors.

“To find a career to which you are adapted by nature, and then to work hard at it, is about as near to a formula for success and happiness as the world provides. One of the fortunate aspects of this formula is that, granted the right career has been found, the hard work takes care of itself. Then hard work is not hard work at all.” ~ Mark Sullivan

International Student Resumes

If you are an international student studying at Wichita State University, and are going to be applying for jobs in the United States, you will want to revise your resume. A review of our Starter Kit is a good place to start. In addition, the points below are important to take into consideration.

Resumes in the United States are concise records of your accomplishments educationally and in the work place. One page should be sufficient length for your resume unless you have extensive professional experience. Much of the information you would include on your resume in your home country is not needed--or wanted by U.S. employers. Do not include your photograph, health information, your birth date or age, marital status, race or ethnicity or religion, high school information, or personal interests or hobbies. If you are using an American name, include it in parenthesis following your given name.  If not, information indicating how to pronounce your given name may be helpful to employers. Convert your grade point average to a 4.00 scale and include if it is a 3.00 or above. If you have work experience in a country outside the U.S., it is a good idea to include an explanation of the size and type of organization(s).

If you have questions while working on your resume, stop by during walkin hours from 1:00 to 5:00 on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. If you want or need more than 15 minutes, you will want to schedule an appointment. 

Our office is here to help you with your career and job search questions. If you need assistance, stop by or call today to schedule an appointment. We will give you guidance and resources to create a resume you can be proud of.

 

Networking

It happened again! I have talked to three students this week who just landed jobs. Not by going to any (or even a lot) of the many job posting sites. Not by applying on company websites. But, rather through someone they knew. One person got a job with a company that two of his friends worked for – they knew there was an opening so they encouraged him to apply. Another was referred to his organization by a former classmate here at WSU. And, the other got a job lead from a friend of a friend.

I had to tell you this news. Because I keep telling you to network. Now you know why.

Improve Your Performance

Free range

Ways to improve your performance:

• Compete for a prize
• Earn points
• Please a demanding boss
• Make someone else's imminent deadline
• Face sudden death elimination in the playoffs
• Wear a heart monitor and track performance publicly
• Go head-to-head against a determined foe

The thing is, all of these external stimuli are there to raise your game and push you ever harder. They are fences to be leaped, opponents to be defeated.

The alternative is to compete against nothing but yourself. To excel merely because the act of excelling without boundaries or incentives thrills you.

And the good news is that once you find that, you'll always have it.

on behalf of; Seth Godin <sethsblogreply@gmail.com>

Seasonal Jobs

Why would I suggest you work a seasonal-- or any temporary  job? 

Number one on my list of reasons is a temporary job just might lead to a long term opportunity. Work hard, prove yourself and the employer may want to hang on to you longer – maybe much longer – than originally planned.

Working a job for even a short time is a great way to try out companies and jobs.  Working in any number of jobs, or for XYZ Company, may sound appealing. . .until you actually try it. If you take a job, knowing it is only temporary, it doesn’t hurt your resume when “it is only temporary”.  

You know how you hear me say “network” over and over again? Working a temporary job is a great way to make contacts and add people to your professional network.  Do a good job and you’ve also got yourself a reference.

You stand a good shot at learning new skills.

You make money!

I have worked a number of temporary jobs.  All taught me new skills and three turned into jobs I worked at for at least five years.  Another was with an organization I determined I didn’t want to stay with.  Because I took the job as a temporary position, it didn’t hurt my resume, or reference information, that I only stayed there a few months – until, in fact, I found another temporary job -one that I worked at five years.  Those are my experiences.  

So. . .why would I suggest you work a seasonal-- or any temporary  job?  Why wouldn’t I?

True Colors

Want to understand the other people in your class, group, or office better? Want to know why they do the things they do and don’t do the things you do? Wonder why they cause you so much stress? If so, True Colors might be just the thing for you!

 

True Colors identifies four different personality styles, characterizing each style by a color. Although we are all a blend of a variety of traits, we will each probably find the characteristics of one color dominant over the others.

 

In brief:

Blues care about other people and relationships.

Golds appreciate tradition and are hard working.

Greens are complex, competent and independent and want to know “why”.

Oranges need freedom, flexibility and change and like to play.  

Mix all these colors together and you can understand why you have frustrations and even conflict.

True Colors is a great way to gain insight into, and appreciation for, your own behavior and that of the people you interact or have relationships with. For a True Colors presentation to your class or group, call our office at 978-3435.

Seth Godin's Blog "Coming From a Loud Place"

I love the way this man thinks. Just wanted to share this with you!

Coming from a loud place

Despite your instincts, almost all big change, almost all important organizations, almost all the stuff that matters doesn't get launched big, from the loud place, on the front page of the paper or on the Super Bowl or on a popular blog.

No, the stuff that changes everything starts on the fringe, captures the imagination of a dozen, who bring along colleagues or friends, and then it's a hundred and then...

Make whatever list you want: Twitter, Kiva, 500px, Pure Food and Wine, Jiro...  They all became hits without being anointed by the loud folks first.

Instead of cajoling your way into the spotlight, consider investing in the experience first.

The Job Fair

Our Fall Job Fair was last week. Employers saw many people and behaviors. Some great, but some had no place at a job fair. Listed below are some of the “no place at a job fair” items, followed in bold italics by what probably went through employers’ minds in response. 

Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, short skirts, revealing blouses, clothes that were too tight, wrinkled clothes, tattoos, body piercings (other than one pair of earrings), running shoes, flip flops. Limp handshakes. Meek little voices.  Develop some confidence, dress professionally and then come talk to me. 

No resumes and/or business cards. How am I going to know how to get in touch with you?  

Knew nothing about my company. You don’t care enough to do some research.

Babies. . .toddlers. . .kids younger than college age! If you bring your kids to the job fair, what will you do with them if I hire you? 

Bottom line: I expect you to be the best you can be when you come to a job fair. The impression you make is an indication of the quality of work you will do. Take this opportunity seriously.

Companies receive countless resumes each week. The opportunity to talk with an employer is invaluable. Take it seriously and take advantage of it. Get a job!  

Job Fair Preparation

It is Job Fair time again. What do you need to do to prepare? Here’s a list to guide you.

Remember this is a great opportunity to get in front of employers. Take it seriously and make the very best impression you can.

Make sure your resume is perfect. If you haven’t had it reviewed by someone in Career Services, you still have a few days left. When you are happy with your resume, print several copies on high quality bond resume paper and stash them in your portfolio to keep them neat.

Make up business cards to offer to employers who are not able to accept resumes. Definitely keep in mind it is no reflection on you when employers do not accept your resume and ask you to apply online. It is a procedure they are required to follow.

Launder and press your suit and shirt or blouse—or have them dry cleaned. Polish your shoes. Get a haircut if needed. Take a look at our guidelines to make sure your planned attire is suitable.

Review the list of employers who are registered. Research those of interest to you. Prepare your introduction so you will feel confident when you approach the recruiters.

If you have questions, stop by or give us a call.  

 

Getting to Know You

One of the really great things about WSU, in my opinion, is the diversity. Students come from across town, other areas of the state, other states, other countries! You come from all economic backgrounds. And, at all stages of life-- from high school students taking classes for college credit to older adults auditing classes. What a great opportunity to get to know people from all different situations. What a great opportunity to learn about other cultures, other situations, and other generations. I hope you don’t limit yourself to spending time with only people just like you. Reach out – I bet you will be glad you did.  

Opportunities

 

It’s a brand new semester and a brand new year. Full of possibilities and fresh starts. If you are new to WSU, we welcome you. If you are returning, we welcome you back.

It is probably a fair guess you are here to increase your chances of landing the job you want as a result of your college education. Please don’t assume that is a given.  You will face lots of stiff competition when you leave WSU to join the ranks of full time college educated workers. Those of us in Career Services hope you will use your college days to develop yourself into a person who will stand out from other job candidates in your field.

1. Earn good grades. And, get experience related to your major and/or career goal. Employers expect a high gpa and/or experience in your field.
2. Learn to work with other people. Employers repeatedly tell us they want employees who are "team players". 
3. Join organizations. Be an active member. Develop leadership skills. Why? You know why – employers expect leadership skills.
4. Get to know people. Your instructors. Fellow students. Employers who come to campus. The nice folks in Career Services. . . When you are ready to get a job, you will find out just how important networking is. Begin now!

College offers you the opportunity for so many experiences. Take advantage of them. I wish you an exceptional semester!

 

~ jan

Talents and Strengths

We all come into the world with many unique talents. Talents are the ways we naturally think, feel, and act.  Another word for talents might be gifts.

A strength is the ability to produce a positive outcome repeatedly when completing a certain task. A strength is made up of a talent combined with skills and knowledge.

Each of us achieves the best results when we work with our talents; therefore, it just makes sense to want to know what our talents are. How do you identify your talents? Go no further than WSU Career Services! For $18 and a few minutes of your time, you can take the StrengthsFinder instrument, which will identify your top five talents.

Knowledge of your top five talents will offer insight into who you are. Using that information, you can determine appropriate study techniques, what type of work environment would be best for you, and how get along with other people.

Rachel Gibson and Val Perkins just returned from a Strengths conference. They would be more than happy to talk talents and strengths with you. What are you waiting for? Call 978-3435 today and make arrangements to take StrengthsFinder.

New news Regarding Resumes

Our office hosted employers last week. Why did we do that? To provide you with the latest, and most accurate, information regarding your resume and the application and job hire process.

The recruiters we met with filled us in on several things. That information follows.

1.      It is important to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. “Make it ideal for the role.”

2.      If you include an objective, make sure – I’m going to say this twice – make sure that objective is actually for the position you are applying for. Rather than the last position you applied for that was actually with a different organization entirely.  

3.      Although most organizations insist you “apply online”, your resume is nonetheless important. Why? Because your resume is easier to review than your online application.

4.      And, because your resume is an indication of the type of work you will do. If your resume isn’t perfect, in the words of one recruiter, “What am I supposed to think about that? What kind of work will you do for me?”

5.      Gaps in employment cannot always be avoided. Be prepared to explain those gaps.

6.      And, maybe most important of all – read the employer’s instructions regarding how to apply very carefully and follow those instructions. Again, if you don’t follow the instructions they give you to apply, what kind of work can they expect you might do?

Questions about your resume? Or, just need another pair of eyes to look it over? Stop by during Walk In hours or make an appointment with a counselor. We’re here to help --

Job Search

The Hidden Job Market

You may have heard of the hidden job market and wondered how you might go about finding it, or even what the hidden job market is.

Many jobs are never advertised. When I say “many” I mean as high as 80%. You won’t find these jobs on a job board. They make up “the hidden job market”.

So, how are you going to find out about these opportunities? Some you would probably never know about, because they will be filled internally by employees working already working in the company that has the opening.

Others you have a shot at if you talk with the right people at the right time. This is where networking once again comes in. Volunteer, join professional associations and attend meetings, be active in your social groups, go to the Laundromat and make all your clothes clean again. And, talk with people everywhere you go.

Another good technique is pay attention to the news. Listen (and look) for new organizations, organizations that are growing or developing new products and/or services. You can apply with any organization, even if they haven’t announced any job openings. Shine up your resume, write a letter of inquiry, and drop it in the mail – better yet, drop it by the company so they can actually see your face and your professional appearance.

You know a job isn’t going to drop in your lap. Get out there and look for those hidden ones. Good luck!  

Job Search

It takes awhile. . .

If you have the illusion you will have a job within a short amount of time after you start looking, or before or immediately after you graduate, sit down and breathe deeply as you start to read this blog.

It will probably take you months to get a job after you start your job search. How many months? Of course, that depends on lots of things including your job field, your competition, the job market, etc.  

However, there are things you can do to fill the time and increase your visibility, and therefore your chances of finding work

1. Volunteer. Working alongside other good hearted people is a great way to make connections. And, to show you are a hard worker, smart, educated – you get the picture.

2. Attend meetings of professional associations. If you don’t belong to any associations related to your field of study, join. Join now! These organizations and meetings can give you a wonderful opportunity to network with others in your field.

3. Work temporary assignments. This can be an upbeat way to earn money and make connections while you conduct your job search. In addition, temporary positions sometime turn into long term positions.
 
4. Engage in social activities. When you are doing something fun with people who have the same interests as you, you have a wonderful opportunity to make connections and network.

We’ve said it before. Get out from behind your computer. Get out of the house and out around people. Get a job!

Approximately 60-70 percent of job seekers find their jobs through networking. Contrary to what lots of people think, it is easy to network. One of the students we formerly worked with landed a job through a lead he got at the grocery store. Perhaps his networking experience went somewhat like this.

While waiting in line at the grocery store, Troy said "hello" to the woman behind him and asked how she was. She answered she was really tired because she was having a hard week at work. Troy showed concern and asked what her job was. The woman answered she was a social worker. Coincidentially, Troy had just completed his grad degree in social work and told the woman. She responded her organization had just posted two openings for new grad social workers and Troy should apply. Troy said he would like to and asked how to best do so. The woman wrote the name and contact information for the hiring manager on the back of her business card.

When Troy got home, he looked up the job posting and drafted a cover letter and tailored his resume and sent them to the hiring manager. He also wrote a thank you note to the woman he met at the grocery store who gave him the lead.

There was really nothing to Troy's networking effort. He just struck up conversation. You can network almost anywhere almost anytime.

Network! Get a job--

Your Resume

If you are conducting a job search, your resume is one of your most important marketing tools. You will use your resume to show you have the education, skills and background to handle whatever job you are applying for.

No idea how to write your resume and ready to pull up a template online? Wait – you will have much more flexibility if you use Word to create your resume. More importantly, employers tell us they don’t like templates. So, you’re staying to yourself “Word may be just great, but I have no idea where to even begin in writing my resume.” Well, we have a great resource for you – our Starter Kit. This kit, available on our website or in the resource section of Hire-a-Shocker, tells you everything you need to put together your resume.

Something else very important to remember – employers see your resume as a reflection of you and the quality of work you will do. Therfore, you want your resume to be as near perfect as possible. Make an appointment or stop by during walk in hours. We’ll be happy to look over your resume – or get you started if you need it.

Get a job!

6 + 4 Reasons to Use LinkedIn

According to Ruth Harper, a communications student and blogger, here are six reasons to use LinkedIn (See full article at http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/blog/why-you-should-use-linkedin-before-graduation) 

LinkedIn offers an easy way to break the professional networking ice.

1. LinkedIn contains fewer 18 to 24 year olds than other social networking sites.
2. LinkedIn makes it easier to find internships or jobs while in school.
3. LinkedIn helps students build and maintain professional networks efficiently and effectively.
4. LinkedIn provides students an opportunity to prove themselves professionally through     authentic discussion.
5. LinkedIn allows students to promote themselves professionally online. 

Four more reasons to use LinkedIn:

1. It’s a great way to promote your blog or personal website.
2. It can be an especially effective way to connect to professionals in different locations throughout the United States or the world.
3. LinkedIn has a job search feature and more and more employers are using it.
4. It’s a great way to research a company before a job interview. You might even be able to find the people who will be interviewing you.

Time to Get Back With Your Job Search

Graduate earlier this month? Been taking a break? You deserve it, afterall. But, you also deserve a job. So, time to get back in the program and get serious about your job search again.

Where to start? May I suggest? Set up a record keeping system to keep track of all the people and organizations you have contacted, method and date of contact, response, and anything else of significance. Keep this up to date and you could potentially save yourself the embarrassment of having an employer call who you have little or no memory of contacting.

Next, make up another list of people and organizations you want to contact. This can include people you want to conduct informational interviews and/or network with, employers you want to drop by to leave your resume with, employers you will fill out an online application with. You get the idea.

After all this list making, hopefully the job search adrenalin will be pumping. Good, because next time we will go over "Ten Reasons to Use LinkedIn".

Get a Job!

~ jan

  


 

The Communication Field

Interview with Jeremy Hubbard, News Anchor Fox 31 Denver

I used to live around the corner from Jeremy Hubbard, News Anchor for Denver’s Fox 31 and 1996 graduate of Wichita State. So, earlier this week, I pulled the “work at your Alma mater and used to be your neighbor” card and got Jeremy to answer a few questions. My questions and his answers follow.  

1.  Jeremy, when did you decide you wanted to be a news anchor? “I think I always knew I wanted to be a television anchor.  I remember when I was 12 years old (living across the street from you guys on 9th Street) I set up a fake studio in our basement, and I'd pretend to do a newscast.  Then I remember when I was in high school, and an earthquake struck San Francisco during the world series.  I stayed up all night watching the news coverage of the quake, and I couldn't get enough.  I wanted to be there... to be in the middle of it.  I've had the same reaction ever since, anytime I hear about a big news story.  It's been in my blood for years.”

2.  What has been the most important thing you have done that has led to your success? “The most important thing?  Working nonstop.  I think the one way to get ahead is to just never, ever stop.  Even now, I work 12 to 14 hour days, because I have to.  I'm always busy, always working.  The job market is SOOOOO competitive right now (especially in the journalism field, which is shrinking, and jobs are disappearing) that bosses want someone who is going to bust their hump.”

3.  “What advice do you have for students who might want to follow in your footsteps?”  Advice?  Start making contact with the pros.  Get an internship, ask a reporter if you can shadow them on the job for a day.  Do whatever it takes.  Network with people who are already doing what you want to do... and show them what you've got!!!

Thanks, Jeremy – nice talking with you again!

Good Advice for You from Accountants

Yesterday was a good day – I had the opportunity to moderate a career panel for an accounting class. I love it when employers talk to classes about their career paths. I gained many words of advice. I will pass on a select few to you.

You know how I’ve been nagging you to get out there and network? Well, guess what? Networking is going to be important in your career if you choose to go into accounting. The way I see it, you might as well start now –get out there and meet new people. Build relationships.

If you want to move up in your career, you will have to work hard to distinguish yourself from others at work. And, guess what – if you want to get a job, you will have to work hard to distinguish yourself from other students and additional people in the job pool. Again, you might as well start now.

In order to be considered for many jobs, it is important to have a good gpa (I’m thinking at least a 3.0 when I say “good”).  Employers also like to see that you have leadership skills which can be demonstrated by being an officer in a student organization. And. . .many employers like to hire candidates who give back to the community—who volunteer.

So, to wrap it up: study hard and maintain at least a 3.0 gpa, join student organizations and take on a leadership role, volunteer, and network. That’s enough advice for today. But, I’m real sure those accountants knew what they were talking about. Get a job!

Helping Professions: An Interview With Colin McKenney

If you’ve met with me for career counseling, you’ve probably heard me say that as a college student you don’t need to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. There is a good possibility that somewhere down the road you will find yourself in a job or career you didn’t even think about when you were in college. Through the people we meet, circumstances of our lives and opportunities that come our way, many of us find ourselves in jobs we once never dreamed of.  One such person is Colin McKenney, who I had the privilege of meeting with yesterday.

Colin’s undergraduate education was a degree in Communication and Journalism from Ft. Hays. He then earned a graduate degree in Public Administration from WSU. Work in county government finance led Colin to work in corrections which led him to work with people with developmental disabilities.   

Colin is the new CEO of Starkey, Inc. In that position, as well volunteer roles, Colin gives a tremendous amount back to the community. His job won’t be finished for a long time. And, Colin sees a tremendous need for more individuals like him--people who want to help people.

Are you one of those people? Want to know more about helping professions? Make an appointment to meet with one of our counselors.

“Starkey, Inc., founded in 1930, is the oldest community-based nonprofit in Sedgwick County, Kansas, serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through its business services, employment, recycling, residential, life enrichment and case management programs, Starkey creates possibility in the lives of more than 450 people with disabilities.”

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”
~Herman Melville

Informational Interviews

What can you gain from an informational interview?

I recently talked with a student regarding her experience. She could not say enough good things!

The person she met with helped her in lots of ways including:
Deciding what direction she wants to go with her major
Deciding what kind of environment she wants to work in
Deciding what classes to take
Networking

All that in a 20 minute meeting!

Why not call and schedule an appointment to talk with one of our counselors about how informational interviewing might be something you want to take advantage of.

We're waiting for your call!

Step Out of that Comfort Zone

What is your comfort zone? If you’re in job search mode, you probably need to step—or even jump--outside it. Don’t limit yourself to applying on internet job search sites. Get up, get out and meet people. Talk with people wherever you go. This doesn't mean you need to walk up to everyone you see and tell them you are looking for a job. Just strike up conversations with people, show genuine interest, and ask them about themselves. In most cases, they will also ask about you. Which will give you the opportunity to tell them you are looking for a job.   

The trouble with comfort zones is they are so darned comfortable they are restricting. Just imagine. . what could happen for you if you were willing to take a risk?  

Networking Guide

Networking Guide - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

This contains great information regarding networking. I encourage you to take a look!

Job Search

I met with an alumni yesterday. Talking with him reminded me of something I want to tell you but you probably don't want to hear--your diploma is not a guarantee that after graduation you will walk right into the job you want. You may have to keep working at it.

This guy did well in school--in the classroom and out. As a result, he interviewed with a company he really wanted to work for. Although he did his best in the interview process, he didn't get a job offer.

What did he do? He remained with the company he worked for while he was a student. A good company who promoted him to a good position, but not what he had planned -- or had hoped for--at the end of his studies. Unknown to him at the time, that turned out to be a smart move and a remarkable opportunity. Now, just two years later, he is in a position better than he ever anticipated.

There is a really good chance you won't get the exact job you are dreaming of when you graduate. But, with hard work and determination, in time you will have the job you want -- or maybe even a better one.     

The Career Fair

Only a few more days to get ready for the career fair.  

What does that mean to you?

I will tell you! 

Review the list of employers – available under “Events” on our website ((Wichita.edu/career/). Decide who you want to talk with. Research websites for each of those employers.   

Practice your 30 second introduction.  

Make sure you have several copies of your resume, critiqued and printed on bond paper, in your portfolio or brief case ready to go.

Press your very best professional outfit. Shine your shoes. Get your hair trimmed. Trim your nails.

Not sure what to wear? Check “Dress for Success” at “Job Seeker Resources” on our website.  

Last Minute Details 

Remove any chipped nail polish. Cover any tattoos. Remove any piercings other than one simple pair of earrings for women. Shower and shampoo. Brush your teeth.

Get excited.

The Career Fair is a great opportunity to get face to face with employers. Even if you talk with employers who don’t have current opportunities to hire, they can remember you for the future.

Remember: “You only get one chance to make a good impression.” This is one of those times.

See you at the Career Fair: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 from 4 - 7pm in Koch Arena!

Myers Briggs Personality Assessment

One more assessment I want to tell you about is the Myers Briggs, often called the MBTI. The MBTI is useful to help you understand your own--and other people’s-- personalities styles. This information is valuable in career decision making, but also in learning to get along better with other people. It is beneficial for me, at least, to consider people are who they are just because that is their type and not because they are who they are to make my life difficult. To speak to this point, MBTI is often used in relationship counseling as well as team building.

Your MBTI type is made up of four letters. These letters relate to how you get your energy, how you take in information, how you make decisions, and how you deal with the world.

With only about 45 minutes of your time, you can take the MBTI online or by paper and pencil. When you read the results, and follow up material, you will have a better understanding of yourself—and probably of the other people in your world.

jan, INFP

Help in Deciding on a Major

Are you struggling with the decision of what to major in?

Yes?  There is help available.

Take the Strong Interest Inventory!

The Strong is a widely used online assessment that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. It will help you identify your Holland Code, a basic tool useful in career exploration and based on the idea that job satisfaction depends on compatibility between your personality and your work environment.  With the Strong you can also learn how your interests match those of other people, like you, who are satisfied in their careers.  

I recently worked with a man who reminded me of the value of taking the Strong Interest Inventory. His comments after completing the assessment and discussing it with me were: “This really is who I am. It confirmed what I may not have already known.”

Give us a call today. Get to know yourself better. See you soon!

Give us a Call

You have no idea what to major in. You like everything. And, your mom tells you to major in maybe the one thing you don’t like.

You chose a major you loved. But, wonder what to do with that major now that you are about to graduate.

You need to start your job search. But, you also need to spend your time on your senior design project and not on your resume.

You have an interview Friday and you are scared and have no idea what kind of questions they might ask you.

You just received a job offer and you’d like to negotiate it a bit but aren’t sure if you should try to negotiate  – or how to negotiate if you decide that is what you want to do.   

Do any of these situations sound like you? Yes? Maybe? Well. . .give us a call. We love this kind of stuff.  And, we offer some pretty darned good help. Don’t believe me? Read what some of your classmates had to say after their meetings with one us.

“What was most helpful?” “Honestly? Someone understood me.” ”Affirmation of my dreams.” “Being able to decide on a major – finding out what I fit most in.”

“Counselors really take care of the students who need resume help.”

“She gave me the tools and inspiration to begin my job search.”

“She helped me practice how to answer tricky (to me) interview questions.”

“The counseling session helped in determine my decision with a current job offer.”

 “Help was there when I first came to them. They know what they are doing. I enjoyed my visit.”

“I absolutely like the advice I got.”

 “I am so thoroughly pleased with my decision to come here.”

Give us a call. Really. You don’t have to do this alone. Call 978-3435. Prefer email? Try career.services@wichita.edu.

Free services that just might help. . .

For Lack of Job Security

If you’re like me, you’re still reeling from the news Boeing is moving out of Wichita. More evidence, as if we need it, there really is no such thing as “job security”.  For many of us, the days are gone when we would go into a job and expect to be there 10-15 – even 5 years. What do we do? How do we handle this lack of continuity in our working lives? How do we sleep at night?

I offer three things as a starting place.

1. We continue to develop and improve our skills. We educate ourselves all through our lives. We keep ourselves marketable.  

2. We continue to build our network.  We take care of the people in our network. We offer to help them. We stay in touch. We don’t just yell “help” when we are in trouble.

3. We work hard in our jobs. Until the last day we are employed.  For as long as we work for an employer we give them our best. Why? Because it is the right thing to do.  And. . .because it is a small world and we need references to get new jobs.

So, get out there. Work hard.  This quote says a lot. “The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.’ ~ Elbert Hubbard

Happy New Year

New year. New opportunities.

Maybe this is the year to get to know yourself better. We can help with that.  Our card sort might be just the place to start. These brightly colored cards are in the categories of:

Interests – what do you think about, talk with your friends about, read about?

Skills—what do you do well. . .and also enjoy?

Values—what motivates you to crawl out of bed in the morning to go to work? And, what makes you happy when you are at your job?

Traits—how do you describe yourself?

After spending an hour with one of our counselors – and the card sort—you will know your Holland Code which is a great resource in identifying majors and careers that are a match for your personality. You also walk away with a BIG (but, not too big) color coded chart to serve as a reminder of your Holland Code and themes to use in your career exploration.

Other students have said: “This was fun. It was kind of an eye opener.”  “I liked it.  It helped me figure out who I am. I think you get stuck in what you do—this helped me remember “oh, I do like that”.  “This was good. It gave me some self confidence.”

So. . .what are you waiting for? Call today and schedule an appointment with Career Services.

Hope to see you soon!